music law, entertainment law, music industry, dance club, night club, business owner

Attention Club Owners: Don’t Be Caught Without A Blanket License for Live Music

Nightclubs are entertainment spots that offer a fun environment for guests to take in music, dance, and mingle. However, nightclub proprietors must obtain a license from performance rights organizations (PRO) like ASCAP and BMI in order to lawfully play music at these places. As an entertainment lawyer, I want to underline how crucial it is to secure a blanket license because doing so not only complies with the law but also protects the rights of producers and artists and fosters the expansion of the music industry.

The ability for nightclubs to play an infinite number of musical compositions from the PRO’s broad repertory is one of the key advantages of obtaining a blanket license from ASCAP and BMI. This license eliminates the need for nightclub owners to keep track of each individual song played, and reduces the risk of copyright infringement. Moreover, a blanket license also provides peace of mind for nightclub owners, as it indicates their commitment to operating within the bounds of the law and protecting their establishment from potential legal repercussions.

Another advantage of obtaining a blanket license is the cost savings it provides. Rather than acquiring individual licenses for each song, nightclub owners can access the entire repertory of music for a single fee, reducing their overall expenses. This cost-effective solution is especially beneficial for nightclubs that frequently change their playlists, as they can quickly adapt to new music trends without incurring additional costs.

Moreover, a blanket license provides nightclubs with greater flexibility in their music selection. Owners can experiment with different playlists and music genres, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere that appeals to their patrons. This ability to change the music selection also helps nightclubs to stay relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving market.

Obtaining a blanket license also ensures that artists and creators are fairly compensated for their work. The license fees collected by the PRO’s provide financial support for the ongoing creation of new music, thereby promoting the growth and development of the music industry. Additionally, fair compensation for artists helps to maintain the quality and diversity of musical works available for nightclubs to play.

Finally, securing a blanket license from ASCAP and BMI sends a positive message to the community. By doing so, nightclubs demonstrate their commitment to supporting the arts and promoting cultural diversity, enhancing their reputation and building stronger relationships with their local community.

In conclusion, obtaining a blanket license from ASCAP and BMI is an important investment for nightclub owners. It provides peace of mind, cost savings, and flexibility in music selection, while also supporting the rights of artists and creators and promoting the growth of the music industry. Ultimately, a blanket license is a crucial component for the successful operation of a nightclub. Don’t wait until it is too late, invest in a blanket license today.  The team at the Law Office of Nicole Weaver, PLLC can help you to negotiate and obtain this license a fair value before you incur hefty fines.  Contact us at [email protected], 407.536.6889, or www.LegalWeaver.com for more information.